What to Expect

Coping with a diagnosis of cancer and researching the various treatment options can be a stressful experience. To assist you in this process, below is a list of questions you may want to ask your radiation oncologist if you are considering radiation therapy.

Questions to ask before treatment

What type and stage of cancer do I have?

What is the purpose of radiation treatment for my type of cancer?

How will the radiation therapy be given? Will it be external beam or brachytherapy? What do the treatments feel like?

For how many weeks will I receive radiation? How many treatments will I receive per week?

What are the chances that radiation therapy will work?

Can I participate in a clinical trial? If so, what is the trial testing? What are my benefits and risks?

What is the chance that the cancer will spread or come back if I do not have radiation therapy?

Will I need chemotherapy, surgery or other treatments? If so, in what order will I receive these treatments? How soon after radiation therapy can I start them?

How should I prepare for this financially?

What are some of the support groups I can turn to during treatment?

If I have questions after I leave here, who can I call?

Will radiation therapy affect my ability to have children?

Do you take my insurance?

Questions to ask during treatment

How can I expect to feel during treatment and in the weeks following radiation therapy?

Can I drive myself to and from the treatment facility?

Will I be able to continue my normal activities?

What side effects may occur from the radiation and how are they managed?

Do I need a special diet during or after my treatment?

Can I exercise?

Can I have sex?

Can I smoke or drink alcohol?

Will side effects change my appearance? If so, will the changes be permanent or temporary? If temporary, how long will they last?

Is it safe to take vitamins during treatment?

Questions to ask after treatment ends

How and when will you know if I am cured of cancer?

What are the chances that the cancer will come back?

How soon can I go back to my regular activities? Work? Sexual activity? Aerobic exercise?